AKQA Senior Project Manager

At AKQA, we believe in the imaginative application of art and science to create beautiful ideas, products and services. With an entrepreneurial and collaborative approach, we design adaptive digital services and applications that capture the imagination, delivering impressive returns for our clients. 

The Delivery team are at the epicentre of all projects, ensuring they’re delivered to the highest quality, on time, and that clients receive the greatest possible value from their investment. 

The team's key focus is to build collaborative relationships and effective communication with project teams and clients alike. We believe that successful project facilitation is key to an outstanding result.  

The Senior Project Manager is responsible for large, complex, assignments. Ensuring they are completed on time, within budget and that objectives are met. The Senior Project Manager addresses business needs, manages resources and successfully navigates and delivers all aspects of the assignment. 

We are looking for two Senior Project Managers to be working from our offices in Copenhagen and Aarhus. You will be part of a team of 15 project managers, and you will work in an international environment that fosters a dynamic and meritocratic culture, surrounded by some of the brightest minds in their fields. 

ROLE REQUIREMENTS 

• Successfully deliver projects with high quality project deliverables, on-time and on-budget. 
• Manage UX led projects, UI and web build as well as manage both creative teams and developers. 
• Author well-crafted Project Status Reports, ensuring they are submitted on time.
• Be able to set up, structure and deliver the end-to-end delivery of a large project involving some technical complexity 
• Successfully manage multiple suppliers, partners and clients to ensure the best outcome for both clients and AKQA.
• Keep stakeholders informed of project progress at all times and manage expectations proactively.
• Tailor and communicate an appropriate project structure by methodology or project phase. Document this clearly in the scope of work.
• Work with leads to accurately compile an estimate for an agreed scope of work. Structure an estimate according to the most appropriate model (e.g. fixed price, capped time and materials, by project phase) and effectively communicate to clients.
• Write thorough, considered scopes of work that can act as a contract for your projects. Define and agree the scope of work internally and with client/s and ensure projects are delivered within this agreed scope.
• Ensure options for project scopes suit client’s priorities and budgets.
• Set up and facilitate both internal and client post-project reviews and share learning with relevant parties (e.g. AKQA teams, client groups and third parties).
• Balance specific client demands with project realities and reliably close the loop on all open issues in a timely manner. 

QUALITIES AND CHARACTERISTICS 

• Experience of managing a multi-disciplined service delivery function in an agency environment implementing innovative, interactive and consumer focused solutions. 
• Experience of adapting a delivery process to that required by a client. 
• Previous experience managing projects on both Kanban and Agile/Scrum methodologies including managing sprints, writing stories, leading the teams.
• Knowledge of waterfall approaches such as Prince2, DSDM or PMI.
• Ability to discuss with clients regarding merits/drawbacks of projects/work streams being delivered. Must be client facing.
• Strong organisation skills – responsive to colleagues for overall efficiency and effectiveness.
• Build strong relationships with peers and external staff.
• Make sound commercial/financial decisions, quickly understand problems, propose solutions and manage customer situations.
• Work well and keep a sustainable balance between work/life under pressure with an objective-focused and positive approach
• Comfortable working independently, self-motivated.
• Strong customer service ethos – committed to quality with the will to constantly drive improvements. Committed to high standards of excellence and integrity.
• Possess good business acumen and sound judgement. Eager to provide insight and receive feedback.
• Accomplished communicator who gains the confidence of the business; credible and experienced at operating at all levels.
• Negotiates well, listens actively and makes compelling points.
• Make a positive contribution to the team and receive positive feedback.
• Constantly strive to improve AKQA delivery practices, processes and procedures.
• Fluent in English 

AKQA is committed to developing wellbeing and supporting life choices for our team. We provide an extensive range of benefits. To find out more click here.

AKQA is an Equal Opportunities Employer, we believe that diversity is vital to AKQA’s ability to provide our clients with the best recommendations and are committed to fostering a varied and inclusive work environment. Your race, colour, ancestry, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability or veteran status have no bearing on our hiring decisions. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.